West Jordan officer cleared in deadly shooting of California fugitive

WEST JORDAN, Utah (KSTU) -- The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has found a West Jordan officer was justified in his use of deadly force against a wanted fugitive last July.

On July 5, 2019, police working under the direction of the FBI attempted to arrest Jose Martinez, who was accused of several violent felony crimes and wanted on a $500,000 warrant in California.

"A task force officer informed SWAT team members that Mr. Martinez had a gun, or at least that he should be considered armed and dangerous," according to a summary report of the officer-involved critical incident.

Officers ordered Martinez to come out of a West Jordan condo unit and surrender peacefully, but he refused, the report said.

"During the many exchanges with Mr. Martinez, SWAT members told Mr. Martinez to throw the gun down to them to which he replied: 'No, no,'" the report said. "Mr. Martinez told SWAT team members his family would see him at his grave."

Footage from the West Jordan officer's body-worn camera shows Martinez coming toward him and clutching a pair of scissors. At that point, the officer opened fire on Martinez, who died of his gunshot wound injuries.